28th Annual Asian American Showcase

Celebrating its 28th year, the Asian American Showcase (AAS) provides a platform for new work by established and emerging Asian American filmmakers.

Schedule Of Events:

12:00 PM - Year of the Cat
Directed by Tony Nguyen
[In-Person for Q&A!]

YEAR OF THE CAT follows filmmaker Tony Nguyen on an extraordinary quest to solve the mystery of his father, lost in the chaos of the Fall of Saigon 50 years ago. Crafted as an investigative home movie, this intensely raw documentary weaves together moments of humor and heartache, offering an intimate look at how the children of refugees are shaped by war and loss. As Tony delves into his family’s history, the film reveals the emotional lengths we go to in confronting the past—and the possibility of healing as we reclaim and transform our futures.

“In this beautiful and moving film documenting the long search for his biological father, Tony Nguyen threads the needle between cautious and courageous, diplomatic and risky. It is highly specific, highly personal, and in its transformative spirit, it is universal. It's as much about the friends and family he makes along the way as it is about finding an answer. And in a society that erases us at best and enacts violence on us at worst, it's inspiring to see a fellow Vietnamese American, an Asian American man, model vulnerability and love.” - BAO PHI, Caldecott Award-winning author of A Different Pond and Sông I Sing.

Location: Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

2:30 PM - Marinig at Makita Ako [Hear & See Me]:  Filipino American Shorts

This season of shorts showcases a selection of original, well-crafted expressions of the Filipino American experience, exemplifying distinctive and genuine storytelling.

2023-2025  -  Documentary & Narrative  -  USA, Canada, Philppines  -  117 min  -  English, Tagalog, Visayan, with English Subtitles  -  Digital

Lola
Directed & Written by Grace Hanna

The Grocery List Show: Seafood City
Directed by Emily Strong

15 Ways My Dad Almost Died
Directed by Sura Mallouh

Myself When I Am Real
Directed, Written by Angeline Gragasin

BALIK/BAYAN
Directed by Paula Kiley

Get Your Story Straight
Directed by Myra Aquino

Her Wish
Directed by Royce Pataras & Marvin Peyton

Painted Ones
Directed by Julia Nacario

Desync
Directed by Minerva Marie Navasca

Location: Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

5:30 PM - Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 parts

Directed and Written by Shaun Seneviratne

Ben Santhanaraj journeys to Sri Lanka to rekindle his relationship with Suzanne Hopper, an American NGO worker, after a long separation. But when Suzanne's boss demands she work during their vacation, their love is tested by a dilemma: desire versus duty. As Suzanne struggles with the responsibilities of her job, Ben tries everything to revive their intimacy, leading to candid conversations and chaotic twists as New Year’s Eve - and Ben’s departure - looms ahead.

Location: Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

7:00pm - 2nd Annual Asian Persuasion Comedy Variety Show
Celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Peace of Cake Productions and The Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM) presents The Asian Persuasion Showcase.

Line Up:
Host: Sonal Aggarwal
KT Music
Second City Victor Wong Fellows of 2025
Ateeq Rehman
Asian Takeout
Intermission
Pablo Alto Band
Pro Improv Mash-Up
Drag from Squeaky Banks
Headliner: Eunji Kim

Location: The iO Theater, 1501 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642

Ticket Information
General Admission: $13
Students: $8
Youth (under 17): $8
Gene Siskel Film Center Members: $6.50
Become A Member Today!
Current students and faculty of the School of the Art Institute, and staff of the Art Institute: $5

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